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I would be very wary of recommending a machine to a client & even more wary of recommending a contractor.
Stiga are known for their mulching machines of course. I have a Stiga 740 Pwx. I know that’s a ride on machine and in a different league, but they are very good. But then my John Deere Z535m is an exceptional mulcher.
I have an Efco hand mower with a Honda engine which is now 17 years old. That mulches or collects. That is very good also.
The key to mulching is having blades that are in good condition. The blade wing tips that are an integral part of the mulching process can wear away even though the cutting edge itself can still be sharpened. So eventually the mulching will not work as well, even though the blades are sharp and still cut.
Stiga as a professional make are very easy to source from a proper dealer and parts are readily available. So it makes them a good choice.
Honda hrx 576 used commercially for last 5 years, will collect if necessary. We used to run the Stigas and Husqvarna dedicated mulches but the front wheel drive although making it manoeuvrable we didn't like as used on anything approaching a slope you end up pushing
Forgot to add the Honda 576 hrx outperforms the Stiga on every level, far superior finish, blade brake , variable hydrostatic drive wouldn't beg a Stiga now even taking into account the price difference
I second the Honda, i brought 537hrx last year best mulching pedestrian mower I've used.
Etesia's do excellent mulchers, dedicated or otherwise.
We mulch lots of lawns with Pro46's and our Pro53. The Pro53 also has a hydrostatic drive and 3 forward, 1 reverse gear.
Thanks for the info guys, we've decided to order the stiga as that's what our local dealer can supply and get parts for, also my client likes them. Useful info for myself for the future though, I can feel a new mower coming on this year!